The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 399 pump-action rifles and 535 assorted firearm components concealed in a shipping container at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, while delivering the 3rd Distinguished Personality Lecture of the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Security Management at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to Adeniyi, the container arrived at the port on July 8 aboard the vessel MV Velika and was flagged for inspection by the Customs Service’s risk management system.
He explained that the firearms had been dismantled and concealed in crates in an apparent attempt to evade detection. A detailed examination and reassembly of the components subsequently revealed 399 fully assembled rifles and 535 assorted firearm parts.
The Customs chief said the seizure demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and technology in detecting prohibited items entering the country through its ports and borders.
He added that the seized weapons had been handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons under the Office of the National Security Adviser, while suspects connected to the shipment were facing trial at the Federal High Court.
Adeniyi warned that arms traffickers could attempt to exploit Nigeria’s ports, airports and land borders, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle. He stressed that the Service would continue to strengthen surveillance and collaborate with other security agencies to prevent illegal weapons from reaching criminal groups.
The Customs boss also highlighted the Service’s broader role in combating cross-border crimes, including drug smuggling, counterfeit medicines and other forms of illicit trade.
He maintained that effective border management was essential to protecting lives and property, safeguarding national security and facilitating legitimate commerce.
The seizure comes amid continuing security concerns over the circulation of illegal firearms, which have been linked to violent crimes, kidnapping, banditry and other security threats across Nigeria.
